Rhode Island Rams vs Duquesne Dukes Picks and Predictions for Thursday March 12 2026
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The Rhode Island Rams face the Duquesne Dukes in the Atlantic 10 Championship Second Round on Thursday, March 12, 2026 at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Tip-off is scheduled for 5:00 PM ET with television coverage on USA Net. Duquesne enters the matchup as a 1.5-point favorite with the total set at 139.5, and the moneylines were off at the time of this writing. Be sure to also check out our free college basketball picks for more insights on today’s college basketball action.
Rams Looking to Bounce Back in Tournament Play
The Rhode Island Rams enter this Atlantic 10 tournament matchup with a 16-15 overall record and a 7-11 mark in conference play. Rhode Island has struggled recently, recently lost to Fordham 61-49, recently won over Duquesne 64-52, recently lost to Saint Joseph’s 61-55, recently lost to St. Bonaventure 94-76, and recently lost to La Salle 59-46.
Rhode Island averages 70.2 points per game while allowing 68.2 points per contest this season. The Rams shoot 43% from the field and average 32.7 rebounds along with 11.4 assists per game. Defensively they contribute 3.7 blocks and 8.7 steals per contest.
One of the biggest strengths for Rhode Island has been their defensive pressure. Averaging nearly nine steals per game gives them the ability to disrupt opponents and create transition scoring opportunities.
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Dukes Hoping to Use Offense to Advance
The Duquesne Dukes come into this matchup with a 17-14 overall record and a 9-9 conference record. Duquesne has had a difficult stretch recently, recently won over Richmond 79-77, recently lost to Rhode Island 64-52, recently lost to Saint Louis 91-76, recently lost to Davidson 67-56, and recently lost to Dayton 78-66.
Duquesne averages 79.1 points per game while allowing 75.8 points per contest this season. The Dukes shoot 46% from the field and average 35.0 rebounds along with 15.3 assists per game. Defensively they contribute 3.0 blocks and 7.8 steals per contest.
One of the advantages for Duquesne is their scoring ability. Averaging over 79 points per game gives them a clear offensive edge in this matchup, which could become important in tournament play where scoring runs can quickly shift momentum.
Rhode Island Rams vs Duquesne Dukes Pick
Rhode Island Rams vs Duquesne Dukes Pick
- Pick: Duquesne Dukes -1.5
Duquesne has the stronger offense entering this matchup and their ability to score nearly 80 points per game gives them a significant advantage. While Rhode Island defeated them recently, the Dukes’ offensive potential makes them a strong candidate to respond in this tournament setting.
Rhode Island has struggled offensively during their recent stretch of games, and if that trend continues it could be difficult for them to keep pace with Duquesne’s scoring ability.
Rhode Island Rams vs Duquesne Dukes Total Pick
- Pick: Under 139.5
I expect this matchup to lean toward a slower pace. Rhode Island games tend to stay lower scoring due to their defensive style and their offense averaging just over 70 points per game.
Because Rhode Island prefers a defensive approach and tournament games often tighten up defensively, I believe the total should trend toward the under.
Final Score Prediction: Duquesne Dukes 71, Rhode Island Rams 66
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